Social sector ( january - july 2009 )

Incomes of Population

According to the data provided by the State Statistics Committee of Azerbaijan, in January-July 2009, the nominal income of the population totaled AZN 12530.5 million which is 13.6% more as compared to 2008. During this period, the nominal per capita income made up AZN 1423,0, which exceeds the figure in 2008 by 12.1%. The rise in salaries in various spheres of economy and rise in social benefits also contributed to the growth in population income  

Major indices, characterizing money incomes of the population

Source: State Statistics Committee

In January to July 2009, Azerbaijani citizens distributed their income in following way: 67.2% on purchase of goods and services, 10.3% - obligatory payment and fees, 22.5% - purchase of foreign currency and increase of savings.  

Real community incomes after the payment of taxes and membership fees made up 11237.8mln manat, or 13.7% more than last year. Real per capita community income made up AZN 1276,2 with rise of 12.3%.

Thus, during the report period the money expenditure comprised AZN 9711.1mln, or AZN 2819.4mln less than the incomes of population, but 17.6% more than the expenses in January to July 2008. (Source: State Statistics Committee, calculations by Trend)

Salary

The salary is one of the key social and economic indicators, which sufficiently enough characterizes the level of the prosperity of the working part of the population. Thus, the amount of average monthly salary in Azerbaijan as a result of January-July 2009 comprised AZN 298 or 17.8% more than the same period of 2008.

During the report period, average salary exceeded average community expenses per capita income (203.3 manat) by 46.6% per month.  

In spite of rise in salaries of various organizations, this indicator retains its differentiation across the country. The highest salary accounts for industry, finance, operations with real estate, rent and consumer services and construction sector.

Employees of enterprises and organizations received social benefits in the amount of 5.3mln manat. Major beneficiaries were employees of the extractive industry, energy, gas and water producing and distributing enterprises, refining industry, transport and communications.

Labor market

The Ministry of Labor and Social Protection of Azerbaijan monitors the situation on the labor market in the country due to global financial and economic crisis. Results of monitoring show the stability of the labor market in the country. In particular, employment remains at a constant level. If to compare the results of past and current years, the difference is almost invisible. The only change is the number of vacancies for 300-500 jobs, but on the background of the employed population, the figure is negligible.

As of August 1, 2009, the economically active people in Azerbaijan made up 4,327,400 with 4,066,700 involved in economy, including 1,377,800 people as hired workers.

They are 12.3% in industry, 4.9% in construction, 2.8% in agriculture, forestry and fishing, 25.5% in education, 19.6% in wholesale and retail trade, repair of automobiles, home wares and personal things, 10.1% in health and social services, 6.8% in transport and communications, 6.2% in communal, social and personal services, 5.0% in operations with real estate and rent, 4.2% in state government and defense, and 2.6% in other spheres.

The number of foreigners involved in economic activity in Azerbaijan during January-July 2009 totaled 5,100, of whom 1,400 in industry, 1,600 - construction, 700 - operations with real estate, 600 - trade, 400 - education and 460 in other areas.

As of August 1, there were 43747 unemployed people, with 45.7% women. In January to July 2009, the unemployment declined 1.7%.   

Four people applied for one job in the country. Average unemployment benefit made up 164.2 manat. Nearly 3154 officially unemployed people of Azerbaijan receives benefit. 

Distribution of unemployed individual and those who receive unemployment benefit in regions as of August 1, 2009

Source: State Statistics Committee

Social provision

As of July 1, 2009 the State Social Protection Fund of Azerbaijan (SSPF) recorded 1,292,600 pensioners, representing more than 15 percent of the total population.

According to the State Fund, 65 percent of pensioners received benefits for age, 24 percent - disability and 11 percent - oss of head of household.

The average monthly pension increased by 28% compared with the same period of the last year and amounted to 99.43 manat. The average pension made up only 33% of the average wage. In the medium term, Azerbaijan seeks to increase the amount of average pension to the amount of average wage.

During January-July this year, State Social Protection Fund of Azerbaijan paid 801.5 million manat pensions and benefits, an increase of 33% or 198.5 million manat compared to the same period of last year. The Fund provided 778.7 million manat for payment of pensions.